Chota Mangwa, North Bengal – Located amidst orange gardens

Located amidst orange gardens Chota Mangwa is a beautiful quiet village offering majestic views of Mt.Kanchenjungha. The village passes through landscaped gardens and cottages with view points located everywhere along the mountain slopes. It is one of the undiscovered gems of Eastern Himalayas. This quaint village rests at the top of the Mangwa hill in the Darjeeling district, and gives a scenic view of the serpentine Teesta River and marvellous mountains. Chota Mangwa, is an eco village where no vehicles ply within its area and tourists must leave their car before entering it. Pack your bags to visit this exotic destination that offer you a slice of village life nestled in the lap of mountain.

Places to see at Chota Mangwa: From Chota Mangwa you can take the delight of an un-parallel view of the majestic Kanchenjungha and the spectacular Teesta River. The breath taking sunrise is also equally admirable. A trip to the orange orchards at Chota Mangwa to see the oranges in full bloom, picking them and enjoying orange juice fresh from the orange garden is an experience that you will cherish for your lifetime. Chota Mangwa is an eco-tourism village, where the farmers mainly practice organic culture in terrace cultivation. The most commonly produced crop is rice, which is cultivated along with a number of vegetables. Oranges are found in abundance, covering the entire village with an orange hue during the blooming season from October to February. Beside oranges, loads of yellow hued, sweet and juicy lemons (Mausambi) also grow in Chota Mangwa.

Nearby attractions at Chota Mangwa: Tourists can make a trip to the nearby village of Takling to view an age-old monastery. There is also a Tibetan Medical center at nearby Takdah. The stunning view of Rungliot Tea Estate at Takdah will cast a magical spell on you. You can also visit the small orange juice-making factory at Lopchu, a relaxing pristine hamlet across the hills. Here you will also find small shops offering hand processed tea, jams, juices and jellies prepared not only from oranges but also from plum and other citrus fruits. Bara Mangwa is just a kilometer from Chota Mangwa. Tinchuley and Kalimpong are other popular tourist destinations near Chota Mangwa. Other destinations like Mongpoo (21 kms.), Pedong (36 kms), Loleygaon (69 kms.) and Delo Hill Top (34 kms.) can be reached within a couple of hours.

Things to do at Chota Mangwa:  The adventurous tourists can try rafting in River Teesta and River Rangeet. You can also walk through the lush green mountains and orange gardens of Chota Mangwa, to take the pleasing view of the entire range of Kanchenjungha. The intoxicated smell of the ripe orange that makes the air heavy is captivating. Guests are allowed to collect the ripe oranges from the forest floor after taking permission from the farmers. You can have the oranges, drink the orange juice and can apply it as a natural pack. A short uplifting and refreshing local course in medication and yoga are also offered at Chota Mangwa. While taking a walk along the winding alleys of the place, inhale the refreshing unpolluted mountain air.

Best time to visit Chota Mangwa: You can visit Chota Mangwa any time of the year. However, to see the oranges in full bloom, it is better to visit Chota Mangwa between October and early February.

How to go ?

Tourists can avail overnight trains from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. They can also take flights to Bagdogra airport. Rental cars are available at the New Jalpaiguri station, which will take you to Chota Mangwa in three and half hours. You have to reach Teesta Bazar and then take left before the Teesta Bridge to reach Chota Mangwa. It is around 66 kilometers from Siliguri.

Where to stay?

There are cottages at Chota Mangwa, which are operated by several self-help groups. The cottages offer decent accommodation and dining facilities along with a personal attendant and local guide, who assist the guests in every activity. The cottages are very clean and eco-friendly with views of Mt.Kanchenjungha. They are equipped with facilities like hot water and attached western bathrooms.  At Chota Mangwa, you can cherish home cooked vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food.

Darjeeling Blossom Eco Tourism Complex is a good option. For details you may contact 9800072639, 8972549897, 9332901041.

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.